Mr. Peanut in Ocean City, New Jersey

by John Margolies

Take a trip back in time to the good old days of the Jersey Shore in this amazing photograph taken in 1978 by well-known architectural critic John Margolies. With the unique, unposed depiction of the boardwalk of Ocean City, this print shows Mr. Peanut, wearing all his mascot accessories, interacting with the crowd at the door of the Planters Peanut Shoppe.

With the background showing vertical signs that read “ROASTED PEANUTS,” signs for chocolate-covered pretzels, and the golden light of afternoon, this photo captures the strange appeal of the commercial culture of the middle years of the century. Taken as part of Margolies' renowned "Roadside America" series stored at the Library of Congress, this print serves as a colorful window into times past.